The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1887-02-17

freouenting bawdy houses.
Also, for making eight hours legal
days work.
By Mr.. Shields-For relief of J. NJ. Ell
kins. an ex sheriff of coleman county.
Bv Mr.. misunderstanding the law as to
magistrates bonds.
By Mr.. Light-Amending article 4l3
of the penal code, relative to leaving
gates on public roads open.
Also. prohibiting combinations by
trades unions.
Bv Mr.. Bell, of Cooke-Regulating sales
of real property and providing for re-
Sub house bill No. 3S-Amending arti-
Gle 314 of the penal code, relative to af.
frays and disturbances OF the public
peace, passed.
House bill No. 84-Allowing defendants
to testify in their own behalf, was consid-
ered. together with various amendments
which were proposed.
The bill was discussed pro and con by.
Messrs Browning, Cone, Graves, Moore,
of Travis: Robinson, Shields, Latimer,
Payne Groce, Bell, of Cook, and
others.
Mr.. Browning offered an amendment
allowing defendants to make their vol
untary statements before the jury with
out being sworn, but may be cross-ex-
amined.
Mr.. Bell argued that defendants did
not need any better protection IN law.
As it was, too many offenders went un-
whipped of Justice. The law was all on the
side of the defendant.
On the other hand, other members
argued that it was better that the guilty
should sometimes escape than that one
innocent man should be punished.
The general school bill being suggested
as the special order. it was, on motion OF
Mr.. Page. postponed till tomorrow.
Resolution was adopted granting the
use OF the hall of representatives 10 Profs'
Hogg. Hill and Cummings to lecture to-
morrow on the subject of geology.
The Browning amendment to house bill
No. 81 was adopted, but after further dis
cussion the whole subject was tabled, kill
ing the bill.
House bill amending article $50, revised
statute, declaring the purposes for which
private corporations may be chartered,
was considered.
The amendment was adopted as follows:
Striking out tbs fourteenth division and
inserting, "for the transaction of any
manufacturing or mining business"
Amendment offered by Mr.. Hargis, to
3 strike ont division nineteen, which provides
for the promotion of immigration, was de-
feated.
The bill was then passed.
Honse bill NJ. S9-Amending the game
and fish law, was considered and after
the adoption Of amendments exSmptlng
numerous counties from the operations
of the act passed.
House bill making general provision
for ascertainiug county boundaries, passed.
Resolution was adopted inviting Prof.
Hogg to address the house tonight on
, the subject of education
{ Mr.. Bell of Cooke, sent up bill TO
amend article 34Oa, of the statutes, rela-
tive to applications for charters by towns
and villages and valuation of bonds is
sued by them.
House adjourned until o'clock this
evening.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
House bill 93-amendiug the law so as
to make appeals from Justices mayors
and recorders courts subject 10 trial de-
noyo, and providing that the case may be
tried without the presence of the defend
ant if the prosecution so agree, was
passed.
SAB house bill 95--prohibiting the sale
of liquor during election days, passed.
Senate bill 103-allowing railroads to
abandon termini at coast county sites
where the towns have been destroyed by
storms.
House joint resolution 13-amending
section IL of article 7 of the constitution
so as to allow university permanent funds
: to be invested in county bonds of the
state or other good securities, was en-
crossed.
} House bill No. 27-Prohibiting the
watering of stocks and bonds by railroad
corporations, was postponed.
House bill No. 98-Punishing the teach
ing of pOlygamous doctrines, was en-
crossed.
House bill No, 101-Mr. Kinney's whisky
tax bill, was considered.
Amendments were adopted fixing the
license at $500 for selling spurious. vin5us
or malt liquors or medlcated bitters in
quantities less than quart; $500 for
selling such liquors or bitters ia quantities
from one quart TO five gallons or more: and
Tor selling malt liquor exclusively, $50;
also amendments makingt helaw applicable
as well in local option sections; requiring
the licenses to be paid annually in ad-
vance; providing against mixing and
adulterating drugs and Intoxicating
liquors, and against exhibiting nude pict-
ures in bar rooms.
The bill was engrossed and the house
adjourned.
TUESDAYS PROCEEDINGS.
The house was called to order by the
speaker; prayer by Rev. Mr.. Whipple.
MIR. Steele presented memorial and reso-
lutions of the Texas State Grange. from
A. j. Rose, grand MASTER asking for legis-
lation to have two-tifths of the university
fund secured to the Agricultural and Me-
chanical college as branch of the Uni
versity.
Mr.. Ellison presented petition of col
/. ored citizens of Caldwell county, praying
for the establishment of an agricultural
college for colOred youth.
Mr.. Wood presented petition from citi-
zens OF Ellis county asking for amend
ment to the local option law.
Mr.. Jones offered petition from citizens
of Pamela county, asking legislation on
sundry subjects.
By Mr.. Moore, of Travis-Presented